Not pregnant, just fat

cilantro — Tue, 08 May 2007 04:55:33 -0800

Because of the way I carry my excess weight, I look pregnant. I think this is preventing me from finding a job. I am about 40 pounds overweight, and every bit of it is carried in my stomach and breasts (yes, I know how incredibly unhealthy this is because of heart disease and diabetes and I'm working on it). My legs, hips, and arms are quite thin, so I look like I am about 7 months pregnant, give or take. On more than one occasion, well-meaning old ladies have asked me when I am due or if it's my first or if it's a girl or a boy (for some reason, since it's always old ladies, it doesn't bother me). I've been to 24 job interviews (seriously) in the last month, and not one has called back. I am qualified, articulate, friendly, confident, etc. and I have a solid work history and excellent references. I've been told that the job market where I live is pretty hot at the moment. I just can't believe that not ONE of the 24 companies for which I have interviewed wouldn't so much as consider me for a second interview, and I am afraid it's because they don't want to hire someone who is going to have a kid in the next two months.
So, I guess my question has two parts - is there any way to casually drop the fact that I am not pregnant into the conversation during the interview? And, since I am a total idiot when it comes to clothes, what can I wear to make me look less pregnant? (I'm in my 20's and only 5'2", looking for work in a professional-yet-creative industry, if that helps)

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Not pregnant, just fat